In 2024, keeping your personal information up-to-date with the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is crucial for receiving your Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R350 Grant without issues. Your registered phone number and South African ID are vital, as any mistakes or outdated details can lead to disruptions in your grant payments. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of changing your SASSA phone number online, ensuring your grants continue to reach you reliably.
Why Change Your SASSA Phone Number?
There are two main reasons why you might need to update your SASSA phone number:
- Incorrect Number on File: If the phone number you initially provided to SASSA is inaccurate, it’s essential to correct it. Having the right number ensures that SASSA can contact you properly about your grant.
- Lost Phone or SIM Card: If you’ve lost your mobile phone or SIM card, someone else could potentially access your private information. Updating to a new number prevents this security risk.
Not having the correct phone number linked to your SASSA account can delay your grant payments and potentially allow unauthorized access to your grant if someone has your old number. Updating to your current working phone number when needed is crucial for maintaining the security of your SASSA information and ensuring safe receipt of your grant payments.
How to Change Your SASSA Phone Number: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to update your SASSA phone number:
Step 1: Access the SASSA Website
Visit the official SASSA services portal at srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/contact to log into your account.
Step 2: Provide Identification and Application ID
Enter your 13-digit South African ID number and your 6-digit SASSA Application ID for verification. Click “Submit” to confirm your identity.
Step 3: Select “Change Phone Number” Option
Choose the “Change Phone Number” option on the website. Enter your new mobile number in the provided field.
Step 4: Verify with PIN Code
SASSA will send a PIN code via SMS to your new number. Check your messages and enter the PIN code on the website. Click “Verify PIN” to confirm.
Step 5: Confirm the Change
You will receive a message confirming the number change. Click “Submit” to approve the use of the new number.
Step 6: Wait for Processing
After submitting the change, allow 14 days (2 weeks) for processing. SASSA requires this time to verify and update your new contact details before processing grant payments.
Important Note: Avoid changing your number too frequently, as SASSA may delay verification for multiple changes.
Reporting a Lost or Stolen SASSA Phone Number
If your SASSA-registered phone number is lost or stolen, or if you’ve lost your SIM card, follow these steps:
- Go to srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/auth
- Click “Report Lost or Stolen Phone”
- Enter your 13-digit South African ID number
- Confirm that the phone number was changed without your permission
- Select “Yes” to report the unauthorized phone change
- SASSA will send a message confirming your report
- Follow the normal steps to update to a new phone number
- Wait 14 days for SASSA to verify the new number before receiving your grant
Quickly reporting a lost or stolen phone or SIM card is an important security measure. It prevents unauthorized individuals from potentially using your number to access your grant money.
Changing Your SRD Phone Number Without an Application ID
If you don’t have your Application ID, you can still update your phone number by visiting a SASSA office in person:
- Find your nearest SASSA office
- Show staff your South African ID and current registered phone number
- Fill out a form with your new phone number and other details
- Submit the completed form to SASSA staff
- SASSA will send confirmation to both your old and new numbers once updated
- Keep your new number secure and avoid sharing it to prevent misuse
This method allows you to update your details in person if you don’t have access to your Application ID.
Changing Your SRD R370 Phone Number Online (With Application ID)
For those with an Application ID, here’s how to change your phone number for the increased R370 SRD grant online:
- Access the Change Details Page: Visit srd.sassa.gov.za/contact
- Enter ID and Reference Number: Provide your 13-digit ID number and grant application reference number
- Proceed: After entering the correct information, move to the next step
- Confirm Identity: SASSA may request additional personal details for security
- State Reason for Change: Briefly explain why you’re changing your number
- Enter New Phone Number: Carefully input your new cell phone number
- Verify with OTP: SASSA will send a one-time PIN (OTP) to the new number via SMS
- Enter OTP to Confirm: Input the OTP code to complete the update process
Biometric Verification for Phone Number Changes
SASSA has implemented mandatory biometric verification for updating registered mobile numbers. This new requirement enhances security and ensures only legitimate beneficiaries can modify their contact information.
Why is Biometric Verification Needed?
This strict protocol mitigates the risk of unauthorized individuals tampering with beneficiaries’ contact details, which could lead to grant payments being diverted or misappropriated. The biometric check safeguards that number changes are approved only for the intended, verified recipients.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Failure to adhere to the mandatory biometric verification may result in:
- Delays in processing your phone number update
- Inability to change your number
- Potential disruption of your social grant disbursements
By cooperating with SASSA’s biometric procedures when modifying your mobile number, you ensure the timely and secure delivery of your vital grant payments.
Important Reminders for SASSA Grant Recipients
- Regularly check your SASSA account status online
- If it says “record not found”, call 0800 601 011 immediately to stop payments
- After reporting a lost or stolen phone, follow the change number steps with your new phone
- Wait 14 days once updating your number for SASSA to process grants to the new number
- Keep your new number safe and avoid sharing it to prevent misuse
Collecting Your R350 Grant: Payment Options and Dates
SASSA offers multiple options for collecting your R350 social relief of distress grant:
Cardless Banking at ATMs
To use this method, ensure your cellphone number is Richard. This allows you to receive the necessary PIN for ATM withdrawals.
Bank Account Payments
If you choose to receive payments through your bank account, make sure the account provided is registered in your name. This enables easy withdrawal of your grant from merchants, till PINs are sent to the cellphone number you provided during the application.
Post Office Collections
Approved grants can also be collected at post offices if that collection option is selected. Here are the payment dates for March, based on the last three digits of beneficiaries’ ID numbers:
- March 11: 082 and 087
- March 14: 083 and 088
- March 15: 084 and 089
- March 16: 080 and 085
- March 17: 081 and 086
- March 18: 082 and 087
- March 22: 083 and 088
- March 23: 084 and 089
- March 24: 080 and 085
- March 25: 081 and 086
- March 28: 082 and 087
- March 29: 083 and 088
- March 30: 084 and 089
- March 31: 080 and 085
These dates apply to the post office payout system. Beneficiaries can receive their grants as soon as they receive confirmation of payment from SASSA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my SASSA phone number online without an Application ID?
No, you cannot change your SRD grant phone number online without the Application ID number. The only safe way is to contact SASSA directly by phone, email, or visiting an office.
How long does it take for SASSA to process a phone number change?
SASSA typically requires 14 days to verify and update your new contact details before processing grant payments with the new number.
What should I do if I’m getting an “Invalid Phone Number” error while updating?
If you encounter an “Invalid Phone Number” error, double-check that you’ve entered the number correctly. If the problem persists, contact SASSA directly for assistance.
Can I change my SASSA phone number multiple times?
While you can change your number when necessary, frequent changes may delay application approvals and payment verifications. It’s best to update your number only when absolutely necessary.
Is biometric verification required for all phone number changes?
Yes, SASSA has made biometric verification mandatory for all phone number updates to enhance security and prevent fraud.
Conclusion
Keeping your contact information accurate with SASSA is crucial for ensuring uninterrupted receipt of your social grants. By following the official steps outlined in this guide, you can update your phone number properly and securely in 2024. Remember to use only official SASSA channels when updating your information to protect yourself from potential fraud or scams.
Stay informed about any changes to SASSA procedures by regularly checking their official website and communications. By maintaining up-to-date and accurate information with SASSA, you safeguard your access to vital social support for you and your family.